Will the M16, M4 really get replaced?

[Gaujo]

Seems like every few years a new wonder rifle comes along to replace the M16 / M4, which after some hype and testing is not found to not really be significantly better than the M4.

How many years longer do y'all think the M4 will be the main battle rifle of the US military?

 

[OldBesty]

No less than 10 years. Probably longer before they are completely replaced.

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2018/10/05/the-armys-saw-and-m4-replacements-will-both-fire-this-more-accurate-and-deadly-round/

 

[Battering ram NIB]

Are other countries upgrading ??

As long as we’re ahead why bother

Isn’t 2/3rd of the world using AKs still

What is the problem needing to be solved ?

 

[armabill]

Should have kept the M14.

 

[ScottinTexas]

Should be closer to rayguns. They used them all the time in the late ‘60s on Lost in Space. Man I wanted one of those. Still do.

 

[Rob1928]

What is the problem needing to be solved ?

Body armor.

Greater than 2% hit rate at 500+ yards

Ability to suppress MGs at 800-1000 yds.

 

[Fishman]

AR-10 in 6.5 creedmoore. Mark my words

 

[sniperdoc]

Possibly

 

[Paul Kersey]

Should be closer to rayguns. They used them all the time in the late ‘60s on Lost in Space. Man I wanted one of those. Still do.

"Warning Will Robinson!!!"

 

[MG34_Dan]

 

[mmi]

we need something that will work in outer space for trumps space force

 

[wanneroo]

It's happening.

Two things the military wants specifically. One, a polymer type case that cannot be reloaded and that saves weight so more ammo can be carried. Two, they want more accuracy, a flatter trajectory and better performance on body armor.

 

[OldBesty]

I am not optimistic the polymer cases will ever pan out as hoped. Total weight reduction per round is typically in the 20% range. Not sure the ability to carry 20% more ammo will justify the big problem of significantly increased manufacturing costs.

 

[sweersa]

The HK XM8 almost took over as the primary rifle for the US Army well over ten years ago. Great rifle even by today's standards, but politics killed it.

At least the US Marines are issuing the HK M27 (based on the HK 416)

Are other countries upgrading ??

As long as we’re ahead why bother

Isn’t 2/3rd of the world using AKs still

What is the problem needing to be solved ?

The M16 is considered by many (if it's not a fact at this point) a legacy weapon.

Other nations have had modern firearms for decades. (FNC, Steyr AUG, G36, etc)

 

[Coctailer]

I think I have a magazine from 1972 that says they are going to replace the M16.
People have been saying it’s going to get replaced for 50 years.

 

[sweersa]

I think I have a magazine from 1972 that says they are going to replace the M16.
People have been saying it’s going to get replaced for 50 years.

That's pretty funny.

On an unrelated note, hello neighbor! I moved to the Alto area a few years back from west of Grand Rapids. Easily one of the best decisions I've made in my life. I don't get out to Hastings much, but I have been to Walldorff a few times. Nice town. I also like Lake Odessa, and Lowell has some cool places too. The overall relaxed feel out here is awesome.

 

[Coctailer]

That's pretty funny.

On an unrelated note, hello neighbor! I moved to the Alto area a few years back from west of Grand Rapids. Easily one of the best decisions I've made in my life. I don't get out to Hastings much, but I have been to Walldorff a few times. Nice town. I also like Lake Odessa, and Lowell has some cool places too. The overall relaxed feel out here is awesome.

Small world! My office is on the opposite corner as Walldorff.
I’m your closest Silencer Shop Kiosk location for Alto.

 

[sweersa]

Small world! My office is on the opposite corner as Walldorff.
I’m your closest Silencer Shop Kiosk location for Alto.

That's awesome! I bought two suppressors over a year ago, but asked the dealer to hold them in hopes for the Hearing Protection Act passing. I'll likely hit you up sometime this year for the transfers seeing how that legislation will probably not change.

 

[Gaujo]

Why do people insist on talking about the m16, m4, and HK416 like they are different weapons systems? The M16 / M4 are the same thing with a different length gas tube and barrel, and the HJK416 is a piston driven clone.

 

[Machines]

I don't see them replacing it unless something comes down the pipe that doesn't work with the platform. It works fine and infantry rifles are a minor part of the larger combat picture.